Description
“A compelling story about life and art with vivid characters and an engaging setting.”
—Kirkus Reviews, STARRED
“Jude Berman has created a spirited, engaging glimpse into the life of one of the most important artists of the eighteenth century. Kauffman was a true free spirit, dedicated to her art, and that is captured beautifully in this novel.”
—Susanne Dunlap, award-winning author of The Portraitist: A Novel of Adélaïde Labille-Guiard
“The Vow poignantly explores both the rewards and challenges of being a creative woman. With its rich descriptions of eighteenth-century Europe, this novel is a well-researched, timeless look at how powerfully the soul can guide us, both in art and in love.”
—Ginny Kubitz Moyer, author of The Seeing Garden
“Enthralling, beautiful portrait of the talented neoclassical artist Angelica Kauffman, whose fierce passion for independence drove her love and ambition. Berman’s vivid dialogue recreates the fascinating tug between Kauffman’s sensual artistry and clever intellect. Skillfully evocative of time and place, The Vow is a must-read for art-loving historical fiction readers.”
—Joan Fernandez, author of Saving Vincent: A Novel of Jo van Gogh
“A lyrically written, deeply imagined fictional biography of one of the early feminists—the renowned 18th-century artist Angelica Kauffman, who was close friends with both Joshua Reynolds and Goethe.”
—Sara Loyster, author of The Daughters of Edward Darley Boit
“In The Vow, Berman brings a mostly forgotten eighteenth-century artist breathtakingly to life. Angelica Kauffman was truly exceptional—fierce, independent, beautiful, fought over by patrons and lovers. This graceful and well-researched novel exposes the deepest heart of a passionate woman who makes excruciating choices to keep her spirit free.”
—Laurel Huber, author of The Velveteen Daughter
“Based on extensive research, The Vow uncovers the life of Angelica Kauffman, an artist who vows never to marry but instead pursue her art. Berman imagines rich scenes of Kauffman’s struggles as a woman trying to succeed and find love too. An insightful and intimate book that pulls back the curtain on the art salons of eighteenth-century Italy and England”
—Linda Moore, author of The Attribution
“Swiss artist Angelica Kauffman’s quest for immortality—both as an artist and as a woman—underpins her every movement in Jude Berman’s compelling second novel, The Vow. Berman breathes life into a historical character who dared to break professional and social boundaries. Thus intriguing and historically accurate novel will delight readers of art history, women’s history, and 18th-century historical fiction.”
—Ashley E. Sweeney, author of Eliza Waite
“Jude Berman’s The Vow brilliantly explores the life of 18th-century Swiss artist Angelica Kauffman. In an era when women lived with few rights, Kauffman rejects society’s restrictions and follows her dream of becoming a successful portraitist and history painter. In a stellar first-person narrative, we share Kauffman’s struggles, passions, and successes. If you’re a fan of classical art, historical novels, and the roots of feminism, you’ll love The Vow.”
—Susen Edwards, author of What a Trip: A Novel
